Which transducerfor HDS 5 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Caballito · 04-13-2011, 08:35 AM

I am buting a new HDS 5 fishfinder and want to hear from other users what they would choose for a transducer, the 50 hz-200hz, or the 83 hz 200 hz? Thanks

IB Fish"N" · 04-13-2011, 08:50 AM

Are you fishing from a kayak? I did a lot of research on the HDS-5 and the Elite-5. The Elite-5 has a smaller transducer than the HDS-5 and has almost all the same features as the HDS-5 for a lot less money. Lowrance Rep said the 50/200 is for deeper water and the 83/200 is for shallower water. Hope this helps.

Caballito · 04-13-2011, 08:58 AM

Thanks, yes I am fishing from a kayak and haven't been able to get feedback from other kayakers as to their preferences

blitzburgh · 04-13-2011, 06:36 PM

You want the 83/200.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IB Fish"N"

The Elite-5 has a smaller transducer than the HDS-5 and has almost all the same features as the HDS-5 for a lot less money.

Well, features are one thing, specs are another. It's a lot less money because it does not have anywhere near the output power of the HDS-5. That, coupled with its smaller transducer results in far less detail. Theres a reason the growing masses are rockin' HDS-5's.

flydigital · 04-13-2011, 07:38 PM

50KHZ = 80ft and deeper
83KHZ = less than 70ft

The main difference is effective beam angle and depth penetration. 83 is wider, 50khz goes deeper. They market the 50KHZ for saltwater and 83KHZ for fresh.

Caballito · 04-14-2011, 02:51 PM

Got ahold of a Lowrance tech...short answer is, if "shooting" the beam through the hull, use the 83-200 vs 50-200, the 83 will penetrate and recieve better, than the 50-200

flydigital · 04-14-2011, 03:45 PM

I have the 50/200 its the only option when you get the nautic insight version, always wondered what the real effective difference would be. Since our fishing is around the depth cutoff where the 50khz depth penetration becomes a factor it probably doesn't matter much either way. The shoot-through thing is a new concept for me though, never thought of that.

In any case I'm happy with the 50 and I use the heck out of it at anything over 20ft depth.

04-13-2011, 08:35 AM	#1
Caballito Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 42	Which transducerfor HDS 5 I am buting a new HDS 5 fishfinder and want to hear from other users what they would choose for a transducer, the 50 hz-200hz, or the 83 hz 200 hz? Thanks __________________ Caballito

04-13-2011, 08:58 AM	#3
Caballito Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 42	Thanks, yes I am fishing from a kayak and haven't been able to get feedback from other kayakers as to their preferences __________________ Caballito

04-14-2011, 02:51 PM	#6
Caballito Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 42	Got ahold of a Lowrance tech...short answer is, if "shooting" the beam through the hull, use the 83-200 vs 50-200, the 83 will penetrate and recieve better, than the 50-200 __________________ Caballito

04-13-2011, 08:50 AM	#2
IB Fish"N" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 49	Are you fishing from a kayak? I did a lot of research on the HDS-5 and the Elite-5. The Elite-5 has a smaller transducer than the HDS-5 and has almost all the same features as the HDS-5 for a lot less money. Lowrance Rep said the 50/200 is for deeper water and the 83/200 is for shallower water. Hope this helps.

04-13-2011, 07:38 PM	#5
flydigital Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 192	50KHZ = 80ft and deeper 83KHZ = less than 70ft The main difference is effective beam angle and depth penetration. 83 is wider, 50khz goes deeper. They market the 50KHZ for saltwater and 83KHZ for fresh.

04-14-2011, 03:45 PM	#7
flydigital Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 192	I have the 50/200 its the only option when you get the nautic insight version, always wondered what the real effective difference would be. Since our fishing is around the depth cutoff where the 50khz depth penetration becomes a factor it probably doesn't matter much either way. The shoot-through thing is a new concept for me though, never thought of that. In any case I'm happy with the 50 and I use the heck out of it at anything over 20ft depth.